Ripe Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana) Peel Pectin as a Potential Binder Excipient for Ascorbic Acid Tablet Formulation

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry in the Philippines is still dependent on imported synthetic binders. This calls for the development of sustainable alternatives that are locally sourced. This study evaluated the potential of ripe banana peel pectin as an organic binder for ascorbic acid tablets. Two hundred thirty-four (234) tablets were prepared at 7.5%, 10%, and 12.5% w/v pectin concentrations, with another 20 commercial tablets using microcrystalline cellulose as a control. The pectin was characterized by determining its degree of esterification, moisture and ash content, and angle of repose. Tablet quality was determined through friability and disintegration tests following pharmacopeial standards. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s HSD or Games-Howell post hoc analyses were used to analyze the results. The pectin was low-methoxyl, and had a 7.21% moisture content, 8.06 ash content, and flow properties better than excellent. The 10% and 12.5% formulations (F = 284, p < 0.001) passed friability and had significant differences from Brand X. All formulations disintegrated within 15 minutes, and ANOVA (F = 529, p < .001) revealed that higher pectin concentrations prolonged disintegration time. The results suggest that 10% pectin is enough to impart sufficient tablet strength without affecting friability and disintegration time. Ripe banana peel pectin can be used as a suitable, cost-effective, and locally available excipient for tablet formulation in the Philippines.